Cannabis is a very complex and unique type of plant, especially when it comes to growing it. There are two main factors that help you in the right direction when growing cannabis, and that’s if your cannabis plant is either Indica or Sativa. While Indica and Sativa are the extreme far ends of the spectrum, a lot of cannabis lies in the Hybrid state and is a mixture between Indica and Sativa properties.
Indica
Color/Leaves: Indica plants tend to have deep dark green leaves that are wide, round, and short in size. Indica plants tend to be more short and stubby overall.
Growing: Indica strains are great for growing indoors since they are much shorter and stubbier compared to Sativa strains. They also flower much quicker than Sativa’s with a flowering time of 45 to 65 days. Indica strains are also less likely to grow out of control like Sativa strains do.
Height: Indica plants are short and stubby, typically only reaching 6 feet in height. Since they do not get very tall, they are ideal for indoor gardens. The buds on Indica plants tend to be wide, dense, and bulky.
High: Indica strains are best for relaxing, as they tend to be sedating and relaxing full body effects. Some strong Indica’s will make your body feel slightly numb and put you to sleep. Indica strains have a much more body high along with a heavier high compared to Sativa’s. Indica’s are good for relaxing with a movie, a small toke before bed to help you get to sleep, or just simply stress relief and couch lock.
Popular Indica Strains: Grape Ape, Granddaddy Purple, Northern Lights, Bubba Kush, and Blueberry.
Symptom Relief: Indica’s are best for relieving anxiety, insomnia, pain, and muscle spasms. It is also used for eating disorders as it helps regain appetite.
Sativa
Color/Leaves: Sativa plants are the stereotypical cannabis icon that you see in the media. They tend to have light green leaves that are typically long and thin. They slightly resemble sausage-sized buds, long and skinny.
Growing: Sativa plants do best in temperature that is closer to the equator, somewhere between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Sativa plants also thrive in higher humidity levels, compared to Indica strains. They do better with light-fertilizer and less frequent feedings. It is important to water regularly, but be sure not to over fertilize, as they have a delicate bunch that can be ruined with fertilizer build up. Sativa’s also have a longer maturation cycle than indica, ranging with a flowering time of 60 – 90 days.
Height: Sativa cannabis plants look a lot different than Indica cannabis plants do. Sativa plants are typically very tall. They can grow up to 25 feet tall, but they usually stay somewhere under 12 feet. Since they grow so tall, it is a good idea for outdoor gardens so they can grow to their full potential.
High: Sativa highs are very uplifting and energetic. The have cerebrally focused effects and are great to use when wanting to bring out creativity. Sativa’s go well with social gatherings, physical activity, and creative projects. Since Sativa’s are more of a head high, they are good for daytime.
Popular Sativa Strains: Sour Diesel, Green Crack, Jack Herer, Durban Poison, and Strawberry Cough.
Symptom Relief: Sativa strains have more relief properties and because of this are perfect for helping with depression, ADD, fatigue, mood disorders, PMS, and more.